My grand-father's work at its best. He started building this when I was a kid. I'd spend almost everyday in the garage with him as he created his own tools to make the parts needed for his final masterpiece! Great memories to keep forever. This last run is so fitting and a testament to his genius! I hope whoever gets the pleasure of owning this train will appreciate it and recognize the efforts and craftsmanship that was put into this project.
Amazing work, I'd be interested to learn more about its systems - it seems he has gone to great lengths to realise as many of the original locomotive's systems on the model as possible. Were you not able to keep the locomotive in the family as an heirloom? Surely he has grandchild who would be interested in the hobby? I know there'd be a lot to learn to not only run it but also maintain it...
+Linda Martineau - It would be a sacrilege to sell this masterpiece of engineering. Have you no respect for your Grandfather, for his skills, and the effort he put into this. Are your children or those of a brother not interested in this wonderful thing? How can you sell such a thing. Unthinkable. It is a family heirloom. Don't be another Dibnar family.
as a kid, I spent some good quality time with some of the best tradesmen and craftsmen in the world, people like your grandfather that started with nothing and build grand masterpieces that the world would never forget. when we are kids, we do not understand why these times are so important. now that im grown up, I would give anything to go back. but, I cant. So I just do my best to pass what I know on to the next generation hoping one day they will look back on the good times and smile. it is the best gift you can offer someone, just spending quality time with them making memories they will never forget.
The MUSIC of PERFECTION. FANTASTIC . . . Hope the receiver knows how to Preserve this MASTERPIECE OF PERFECTION. He Truly was a MASTERCRAFTMAN to have produced this MAGNIFICENT MASTERPIECE . . . THANKS for the Experience. I felt alive viewing this . . .
He was an amazing guy for sure, incredible engineering. The guy driving this though- enough with the whistle! He didn't build an air horn, it's a loco!
You do realize he has to.. When you go over the crossings they have to honk the "air horn" 4 times. Maybe before you start criticizing people you should get your facts straight. EDIT: Oh by the way if your too stupid to realize its called a Whistle not a air horn.
Also, the sound of the whistle was obviously very important to Fern - as you can see, it was extremely oversizse in relation to the model so as to replicate a typical full-size North American steam whistle to at least a satisfactory extent, as opposed to the squeaky little whistles that most model locos have. So yes, in a sense he did, purposely, build an "air horn".
I recommend to not to sale such beautiful and interesting ideal things. They are related to one's life, must be respectful. So enjoy the gift of him and may children learn new things with innovative ideas with it.
That one has some serious speed to it. I wonder how much it could pull. I have watched a lot of small steamer videos but this one is faster than the rest. Wow.
Eric4014 It was made by Ferdinand himself, the bowl, valve, and languid plate is from a Crosby 3 chime, the actual bell with the 5 chimes was his own design.
Boxcarwillie S160 I own the Engine now, it's not a boiler certificate issue, and not a mechanical issue. It was just at the time when Fern had passed and his family did not have the time to run or take care of the engine. The gentleman running the engine in this film most of the time is the Montreal Live Steamers club president, and regularly ran the loco with Fern, but he has his own engine to maintain and an engine this big simply was not in the cards for him. I purchased the engine last September and I have been giving the engine some TLC over the winter and spring. She should be running in August.
